Revelling in the freshly brewed success of his small screen chat show, Koffee With Karan, Bollywood’s blue-eyed boy is all set to begin work on his third directorial effort, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna. In between writing his script, anchoring his chatathons and star-studded shows, Karan Johar talks to Verve about his reel-romances, real-life traumas and the ‘K’ factor that rules his psyche

A decade ago, I’d seen him walk into a private viewing of childhood chum, Kajol’s impending release at a suburban theatre. With a few quiet hellos, the 20-something lad settled down comfortably into the cushioned chair next to the fledgling actor and watched her enthusiastic performance in a forgettable flick.

A few years later, he made his directorial debut in Bollywood with the feel-good Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (KKHH), a college romance cum reunion tale that, like his subsequent second effort, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (K3G), spoke of romance and relationships.

A short while ago, he’s begun to confidently stride on star-studded stages – in India and abroad – playing suave anchor at glitzy award ceremonies. His trademark, rapid fire repartee and pungent one-liners set him apart.

As have done his recent television appearances in Koffee With Karan (KWK), where, with his smile fixed firmly in place, he has gently grilled his guests, offering them a cup of coffee to stimulate the conversation. The celebrity chat show, that is winding to its first season finale on May 27, 2005, has thrown up many a ‘star confession’ and a new star in the making.

Karan has already begun work on his next film, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (KANK). Like tele-queen, Ekta Kapoor’s soaps, Bollywood prince, Karan’s projects too revolve around the famed letter ‘K’ and titles that just beg to be shortened. The K-factor has an interesting, little-known reflection in his personal life. “When I was born, I was Rahul for seven days of my life. Then my mother changed my name to Karan. People who walked the spiritual side told me that K is lucky for me. Now, I believe it is too…. I am a great follower of all kinds of superstitions.”